ARLINGTON — The NFL’s premier offense during the preseason: the Texans, of course.

Gary Kubiak’s team ranked first in the league in average offensive yards (444.2), passing yards (300.2), total yards per play (6.2) and first downs per game (25), and fourth in rushing yards (144). Add in the Texans topping the NFL in rushing yards allowed (75.5), placing fourth in total average yards allowed (275.8) and finishing with a 3-1 record courtesy of a 24-6 beatdown Thursday of Dallas — which featured an undrafted rookie celebrating on the Cowboys’ midfield star — and the preseason almost couldn’t have gone any better for a team eyeing its first major playoff victory and Super Bowl XLVIII.

Keenum started Thursday, going 9-of-13 for 128 yards, one touchdown and a 126.4 passer rating. He finished the preseason 43-of-63 for 482 yards, three TDs and a 106.7 rating and didn’t thrown an interception. Keenum’s total yardage trailed only Miami’s Pat Devlin (504) and an ex-Cougar who spent 2012-13 on the Texans’ practice squad set a franchise record for most preseason passing yards in a year, breaking David Carr’s 2002 mark.

“I feel really good,” Keenum said. “I think we were running the ball really well. The offensive line did a heck of a job and Cierre (Wood) came to play (Thursday). Being able to run the ball opened up play action and a lot of that stuff. … It started with the offensive line. It was a really good game.”

It was a great preseason for Keenum, who’s expected to make the Texans’ 53-man roster and serve as the team’s regular season third-string QB, backing up starter Matt Schaub and T.J. Yates.

2.) The Texans appear to be loaded at wide receiver and tight end.

Wideout DeVier Posey made a smooth return that was the official highlight of a near-meaningless game, while rookie tight end Ryan Griffin recorded team highs in receptions (five) and receiving yards (87).

Schaub could have five receivers and three tight ends as potential targets this season. And a Texans offense that became too limited toward the end of 2012-13 should open back up at the start of this year.

“A lot of those young guys from the top to the bottom have been really good about being where they needed to be at the time when we need them to be it,” Keenum said. “It’s good to have Posey back out there today. Even the backs from the backfield, I think they’ve been a big part of this preseason. Our job is to get the ball in the hands of the guy that can make the plays at the right time.”

With starter Arian Foster rested the entire preseason, backup Ben Tate on the sideline and Deji Karim unused Thursday, Wood finally had a chance to prove himself. He answered by racking up game highs in carries (19) and rushing yards (107), topped off by a 41-yard sprint.

Wood’s best burn was a 49-yard TD that was called back. But he still showed off his moves and reminded the Texans placing him on the practice squad won’t be an easy decision.

“I was just trying to show everybody what I can do,” said Wood, whose 191 total preseason rushing yards ranked fifth in the league. “I know my abilities. I know my talents. The last couple games, I didn’t get to show that much. My philosophy is when I go in there, I want to do something to catch everyone’s attention. … This game was no different.”

The Texans’ second-string QB watched his rival impress during the first half, then went 8-of-11 for 109 yards, a TD and a 134.3 rating during the second half. Statistically, Yates was the Texans’ top passer during the preseason, finishing 35-of-50 (70 percent) for 417 yards, four TDs, no INTs and a 121.8 rating.

If Schaub goes down again, the Texans have two interesting options during a season that will be a disappointment if the team doesn’t at least reach the AFC championship.

“They both played pretty darn good. If you look at it, it’s been that way the whole camp,” Kubiak said. “They have both (done) their job. It’s really just a matter of us sitting down and deciding which way we go to start the season. I want to keep them competitive all year long, regardless of which way I go. Because I think, boy, has it both made them better and made our team better. … Statistically they have both been incredible.”

5.) A 3-1 mark, league-leading totals and Keenum vs. Yates has been fun. But the Texans’ biggest questions won’t be answered for months.

Defensive end Antonio Smith won’t play during a regular season-opener Sept. 9 at San Diego, rookie wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was held out again Thursday and Foster didn’t take the field the entire preseason.Then there’s everything from an iffy defensive secondary to an offensive line and linebacking crew that can alternately be strong and weak.

The Chargers game already feels like a setup: primetime, Monday night, on the road against a poor team that has game-changing potential and a new coach.

Right now, the Texans appear deeper and stronger than ever. But the look and talk will immediately change if the Texans’ Super Bowl year begins 0-1.